How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To Mac? (Easy Guide!)

Are you unsure how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Mac? We've got your back! And if you run into connection issues, here's what you can do. Bluetooth headphones not connecting to a Mac rarely cause problems. But they continue to do so.

And in these rare cases, non-technical people and those who have recently switched from Windows to Mac may be at a loss for what to do. Worse, these malfunctions frequently have multiple causes.

These can easily leave anyone in the dark about the best course of action. That's why we've put together this guide on how to connect any Bluetooth headphones to a Mac. We also included a list of potential problems and quick fixes for them.

HOW TO CONNECT YOUR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES TO YOUR MAC?

If you're wondering if you can use non-Apple headphones with your Mac, the answer is yes! Macs can connect to non-Apple Bluetooth headphones in the same way that AirPods aren't exclusive to Apple devices.

Most modern Mac computers are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to connect your Bluetooth headphones and listen to high-quality music while away from your seat.

Furthermore, unlike Bluetooth headphones for TV, which require a separate audio transmitter, connecting Bluetooth headphones to a Mac computer is simple and straightforward. Whether you're using true wireless headphones or standard Bluetooth headphones, a few clicks and you're on your way to an exquisite acoustic experience.

However, we recommend that you read the headphones' instruction manual to ensure device compatibility. To establish a connection, both devices' Bluetooth features must be turned on. This places them in a ‘discoverable mode.'

HOW DO YOU TURN YOUR BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES TO ‘PAIRING MODE’?

This varies depending on the brand and model of your headphones. Taotronics SoundLiberty 79, for example, only requires you to open the charging case, whereas other headphones require you to press and hold specific buttons. Most Bluetooth headphones, on the other hand, follow these simple steps:

• Locate the Bluetooth pairing button on your headphones. Some headphones have a dedicated button for this purpose, whereas others use the power button. Please consult the owner's manual for your headphones if you are unsure.

• To make the device discoverable, press the button for a few seconds or until the LED light starts blinking.

How To Turn On Bluetooth On Mac?

Now that the headphones’ Bluetooth is in ‘pairing mode’, proceed to enable your Mac’s Bluetooth function.

1. Go to the Apple menu.
2. Select System Preferences.
3. Click on Bluetooth to show status.
4. Turn it on.

Now, get ready to pair the devices!

You may be required to enter a PIN if you are using an old Mac version. For connecting Bluetooth, the generic PIN would be 0000, 1111, or 1234. Finally, if there are no connection issues, the devices should pair immediately.

As you can see, connecting Bluetooth headphones to a Mac is a simple process. However, if you are unable to establish or maintain a consistent connection, read the sections below for step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting Bluetooth headphones and Mac connection issues.

Alternative Video: How To Connect Bluetooth Headphones To Mac?

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HOW TO FIX BLUETOOTH CONNECTION ISSUES IN MAC?

While connecting Bluetooth headphones to Mac is usually a simple process, there are times when it can be extremely difficult. Mac users are not immune to the problems that other Bluetooth users face.

You will encounter connection issues at some point, ranging from pairing difficulties to constant disconnections. The good news is that these concerns are easily addressed. We've included the steps below so you don't have to worry about it when it happens.

1. Reset your Bluetooth headphones

Resetting your headphones clears out any problematic connections and solves a variety of other problems. It enables you to start a new configuration and refresh the connections so that the devices can pair faster.

Take note, however, that different headphones reset in different ways. As a result, you will need to refer to the manufacturer's guide to properly reset their devices.

However, to give you a general idea, we have listed the general steps for resetting most Bluetooth headphones.

1. Locate the power button.
2. Hold down the button.
3. Continue pressing until the LED indicator on the headphones flashes blue or red.

If these won’t work, your headphones may require a more specialized approach. For detailed instructions, check out this guide on how to reset different headphones brands.

2. Reset your Mac’s Sound Preferences

Personal computers have systems that manage the audio configuration of the unit. This is known as Sound Preferences on Mac computers. It contains several functions that control the audio-related features of the computer.

There are three tabs in it: Output, Input, and Sound Effects.

• The Output tab lets you choose which audio player (both built-in and installed) to use.
• The Input tab allows you to specify an input source.
• The Sound Effects tab allows you to control volume and alerts.

Take note that the Output feature in Sound Preferences manages audio players, including your Bluetooth headphones. As a result, resetting the Sound Preferences modifies this function. It specifically deletes old configurations and forces your Mac computer to create new configurations.

The new configurations are bug- and algorithm-free, which may have caused your headphones' Bluetooth connection to go haywire. To clear the Sounds Preferences, follow these steps:

1. Select Go and then Go to Folder from the menu bar.
2. Type /Library/Preferences into it.
3. The screen will display a long list of preference files. Look for the files com.apple.preferences.plist and com.apple.soundpref.plist.
4. Remove each of these entries one by one.
5. Turn off your device for a few moments and then turn it back on.

You have cleared out audio configuration log errors by following these steps. If log errors are the source of the issue, you should be able to connect the devices after completing these steps. However, if the above interventions fail, restart the Audio Process.

3. Relaunch the Audio Process

Restarting your Mac computer's audio process is similar to resetting the Sound Preferences in that it removes bugs and errors. Instead of just resetting the audio preferences, it restarts the entire audio process for a more thorough cleaning.

1. Launch Activity Monitor from the Applications folder on your PC.
2. Navigate to the CPU tab and look for core audio.
3. Exit Activity Monitor and stop the process.

But what if it's more than just a connection issue that's preventing you from tethering your headphones to your Mac? What if it's your Mac's Bluetooth feature that's broken?

WHAT TO DO IF BLUETOOTH IS NOT WORKING ON MAC?

Even with Mac's superiority as a device, you may encounter bugs in its Bluetooth feature, such as BT not working. Although such a glitch occurs infrequently, it is still beneficial to know how to navigate in order to avoid frustration.

You can quickly resolve this issue by following the steps outlined below.

1. Check the Bluetooth icon in Mac’s menu bar

The Bluetooth icon in your menu bar holds information on your Bluetooth status and may indicate what the problem might be. 

• A dark Bluetooth icon indicates that Bluetooth is active but that no peripherals are connected.
• If the icon has three dots across it, it means that the Bluetooth function is active and one or more devices are connected to the computer.
• A clear icon indicates that your device's Bluetooth feature is disabled.
• If the icon includes a low battery symbol, it indicates that a device connected to your Mac is running low on battery power. Please keep in mind that this will not be visible on all devices.
• Furthermore, a zigzag line icon represents an unavailable Bluetooth feature.

It can be upsetting to encounter an unavailable Bluetooth issue, but it is not as bad as it appears. You can fix this problem by following the steps below.

2. Turn the Bluetooth off and on again

It’s surprising how merely restarting the Bluetooth feature on your Mac can resolve widespread connection issues. But it sure does!

It renews the scanning process and uses a fresher mode to accelerate the search for new devices. Simply toggle off and on the Bluetooth button. This will help you start with a “cleaner” and a faster connection.

3. Disconnect all paired devices

Although Bluetooth is considered advanced technology, it still has significant limitations. One of these limitations is the limited number of devices it can support.

Bluetooth specifications state that you can connect up to seven devices to a Mac computer. However, there is a catch. You can only connect the maximum number of allowed devices if they are all low-data consumers.

However, once you connect data-intensive peripherals, the hardware limit drops, allowing you to connect only four or five devices in total. If you believe your Bluetooth has reached its limit, unpair all paired devices and reconnect your Bluetooth headphones.

4. Reset the Bluetooth module

If you've tried all of the above fixes and you're still having problems with your Mac, it's time for some serious debugging. This will address more complex software issues that were overlooked in previous patches. Get ready to restart the Bluetooth module.

1. Shift + Option, then click the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar.
2. Choose Debug and then Remove all devices.
3. Select Debug again, but this time select Reset the Bluetooth module.
4. Restart your computer and try pairing Bluetooth again.

5. Do some decluttering

Hard drives accumulate clutter over time as a result of the various operations we perform on our computers. This clutter has a negative impact on Bluetooth connectivity, leaving you with either a Mac that can't find Bluetooth headphones or a Mac Bluetooth that doesn't work at all.

The good news is that you can always use a Mac cleaning software such as CleanMyMac X, which removes outdated cache files, malware, broken logs, and other junk that may be causing Bluetooth failure.

To make use of this app:

• Navigate to System Junk.
• Click Scan and wait for the app to scan the entire system.
• Examine files and delete those that are no longer needed.

HOW TO USE MULTIPLE BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES ON MAC?

We'll need to play audio on multiple Bluetooth headphones on our Mac computers at some point. Is it, however, feasible?

The simple answer is yes. While most PCs find it difficult to play on multiple wireless devices at the same time, Mac does. You have two options for efficiently sharing your music or watching a movie on your Mac with a friend without disturbing anyone else:

• Change the audio settings on your Mac.
• Make use of third-party audio mixing software.

WHY WON’T MY BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES CONNECT TO MY MAC?

Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your Mac should be simple, as you will be connected in just a few steps. With Bluetooth headphones, you can sit away from your screen without straining your neck.

When you're on a conference call, they also give you the freedom to move around. Unfortunately, there may be issues when connecting your headphones to your Mac.

Devices Are Not Set to Discoverable

To connect your speaker to your Mac, make sure both devices are discoverable. Set your Mac to be discoverable by performing the following steps:

• Start your Mac.
• Select the Apple menu.
• Choose “System Preferences.”
• Select “Bluetooth.”
• Select the device and press the “Connect” button.
• When prompted, select “Accept.”

When you connect your Mac to your headphones, it will stay connected until you disconnect it. Alternatively, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones with your Mac by clicking on the Bluetooth status icon in the menu bar and selecting the device to be paired with.

To activate pairing mode on your Bluetooth speaker, follow these steps:

• Turn on your headphones
• Press and hold the power button, which doubles as the Pairing button
• Release the button when the light indicator blinks quickly
• This will allow your headphones to pairing up with your Mac

Devices Are Not in Range

Bluetooth headphones, while allowing you to be far away from your device, have a standard operating range. If your headphones are outside of this range, they may be unable to connect to your Mac.

As a general rule, the devices you're attempting to pair should be within 20 feet of each other. The operating range of headphones, on the other hand, varies from device to device.

Some headphones have short operational ranges, while others have longer ranges. Bluetooth headphones with over 98 feet of operational range, such as the NuForce BE6i and BlueAnt, are available.

Headphones Are Connected to Other Devices

If you previously paired your headphones with your mobile phone, it may prevent you from connecting them to your Mac. In this case, you must first unpair your headphones before connecting them to your Mac.

To unpair your headphones, hold down the power button for several seconds, allowing the unpairing process to continue. To unpair your iPhone's headphones, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings menu and select “Bluetooth.”
2. Locate the name of your headphones and press the I button.
3. Choose “Forget This Device.”
4. Confirm that you want to unpair your iPhone's headphones.

On Android, repair by:

1. Turn on Bluetooth
2. Tap the name of your headphones
3. Once the device name is selected, tap “Unpair” or “Forget”

Different Bluetooth Versions

Bluetooth technology has been revised and updated numerous times over the years. As a result, if your headphones and Mac use different Bluetooth versions, you may have difficulty connecting them.

Bluetooth is, in essence, backward compatible. This means that newer versions can still pair with older ones. Check the Bluetooth version on your Mac and update it to improve its pairing capabilities.

Furthermore, Bluetooth headphones with the most recent Bluetooth version perform better when pairing. As a result, select a headphone that has this feature.

CONCLUSION: Connect Bluetooth Headphones To Mac

There's no denying that Bluetooth has made our lives easier and more efficient. It allows you to listen to audio with greater flexibility and comfort – without the limitations imposed by obtrusive cables. With a Bluetooth device, you can dance while listening or walk while talking; the freedom of movement is limitless.

However, this could only be accomplished with a quick and consistent Bluetooth connection. As a result, it's critical to optimize your Bluetooth connectivity by following the instructions in this article.

FAQs On Connecting Bluetooth Headphones With Mac